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Nigeria is a beautiful country that is endowed with breath-taking attractions

by Ayotunde Olojede

“...the mention of Nigeria, you automatically have specific images in your mind. ‘cause stories are compelling, have a definitive impact on brand identity.”

Over time, experts have shown the importance of branding as a magical tool. There is virtually no problem that cannot be solved through the proper branding of an organisation, a place, or people. Stories are critical in expressing brand identity, and a brand’s culture and values are essential in telling great stories. Just like a building, the most crucial part of any brand is the foundation, which is the culture upon which the brand is built.

Today, at the mention of Nigeria, you automatically have specific images in your mind. This is because stories are compelling, and they have a definitive impact on brand identity. The Nigerian Identity is going through a rebirth, an inward reflection.

Over the years, countries have sold their history and culture and generated hugely from tourism. The world is a community of nations with different personalities, capabilities, and unique identities. Nigeria is a vast country with a rich history, and there is a diversity of cultures, each adding a unique vibe to the whole.

Nigeria is a beautiful country that is endowed with breath-taking attractions. There is a lot to see in the country, generational experiences around natural attractions, as well as the thrills of city life. With the confluence of language, culture, and beautiful people, unique experiences are born.

There is no way that one can talk about Nigeria without talking about Nigerians. We are the most unique set of people on the face of the earth. Rumour has it that Nigerians can adapt to any conditions and thrive from

it. (If you throw lemons at a Nigerian, you may have provided raw materials for cold lemonade.

Look at Nigeria today, and you would see an evolution of art and expression, fuelled by passion and the will to prosper. The power of each individual can be collectively harnessed to strengthen the whole. We need to understand that love for the country should transcend all dividing lines. As a matter of fact, we need to blur these dividing lines, whether they are political, social, cultural, or religious. This is the only way to step into that spot as the true giants of Africa. The Nigerian brand has fantastic potential, which largely depends on our dissatisfaction with the status quo. We need to let sentiments slide while we collectively seek to be better. There is a new generation of Nigerians that work tirelessly to amplify the fantastic things that the country has to offer. We tell stories of our cultural heritage and rich history through expressions in fashion, music, poetry, dance, painting, movies, sculpture, and architecture, to name a few. These festivals and celebrations have been passed down from several generations. Some numerous festivals include; The Olojo festival, The Calabar carnival, Eyo festival, Osun festival, the New Yam festival, the Argungun festival, the Lagos Carnival,

the Ofala festival, The Durbar, and Felabration, are just some of the few cultural gatherings that unite us. These events redefine colour, glamour, and the beauty of the diverse ethnic groups in the country. Nigeria is blessed with geniuses from all walks of life, each displaying what it means to possess the spirit of the Nigerian. This shows that the Nigerian brand has excellent potentials, if and only if, we can collectively actualise it. The greatness of the country is in its people, coming together to make things work. To actualise the potential of the Nigerian brand, we need to hold ourselves accountable. We need to speak up when things are done wrongly and uphold the right values. The future of the country is going to be a consequence of our actions (or inactions). There is a new generation of Nigerians who reflect upon our rich history. This generation is not one that is bound by age, social class, sex, religion, political differences, or educational background. This generation is united in its belief and readiness to act right and change the narrative about our dear nation. The new generation of Nigerians is continually reflecting on our heritage and telling true Nigerian stories, one day at a time. Nigeria is much more than a place; it is a feeling. This feeling should arouse a conscious reawakening in every Nigerian on the face of the earth. There is a need to reflect on the country’s heritage and rebuild the Nigerian brand for the coming generations. Therefore, Arise O compatriots! It is up to us to improve the image of our dear country. The future is now and collectively; our voices will be heard. Raise your voice, whether it is a pen, a camera, a platform, an office, a skill, or an actual view. Let us ‘speak Let us ‘speak’ and show the world the unfiltered, beautiful image of Nigeria and Nigerians. I am Nigeria, and you are Nigerian. So wear it proudly and tell it loudly. Know your roots and speak your truth. Peace and Love!